Reported by Suprovat Sydney: Australia’s federal election will be held on Saturday, 3 May 2025, with early voting commencing Tuesday, 22 April and continuing until Friday, 2 May. As of Tuesday 29 April in polling week, a total of 4,036,060 pre-poll votes had been taken representing 22.3% of enrolment.
The 2025 election is witnessing a surge in independent candidates, particularly in response to international issues such as the war in Gaza. In Western Sydney, the “teal-style” Muslim Vote movement has endorsed Dr. Ziad Basyouny and Ahmed Ouf as independent candidates, challenging the traditionally safe Labor seats of Watson and Blaxland.
About the Electorate: Watson
Watson spans 51 square kilometres in south-western Sydney, covering suburbs from Chullora and Strathfield South in the north to Bankstown, Lakemba, Greenacre, and Georges Hall in the south. It includes key areas such as Punchbowl, Yagoona, Belmore, and Condell Park, as well as Bankstown Airport. The electorate’s main commercial hub is Bankstown.
Hon. Tony Burke MP – Australian Labor Party
Tony Burke has held the seat of Watson since 2004 after serving in the NSW Legislative Council. Over two decades in federal politics, Burke has held numerous cabinet roles under the Rudd, Gillard, and Albanese governments, including portfolios in Agriculture, Environment, Immigration, and the Arts.
In the July 2024 Cabinet reshuffle, Burke was appointed Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, and Minister for Cyber Security, while continuing as Minister for the Arts, a role he has held since 2022.
Dr. Ziad Basyouny – Independent
Dr. Ziad Basyouny is a Greenacre-based GP originally from Egypt. He is one of the most prominent independent candidates contesting Labor-held seats in this election. Basyouny and others in the Muslim Vote movement argue the government’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza has been inadequate, and they are campaigning on a platform of stronger international justice and community representation.
Zakir Alam – Liberal Party
Zakir Alam is a Bangladeshi-Australian community advocate known for his volunteer work through initiatives like Together We Are One. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized support efforts such as food distribution for those in need. Alam’s platform focuses on cost-of-living pressures, pledging to support families, workers, and small businesses by backing policies that lower costs and reward hard work.
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